Adele and Greg Kurstin face a plagiarism lawsuit in Brazil alleging their song “Million Years Ago” infringes on Toninho Geraes’s “Mulheres.” A judge initially ordered the song’s worldwide removal, a decision that has since been challenged. A subsequent conciliation hearing failed to reach an agreement, with the defendants’ absence and conflicting expert opinions on melodic similarity contributing to the impasse. The case highlights ambiguities in Brazilian copyright law and the potential ramifications of setting a precedent for removing songs based on perceived similarities.
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Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was arraigned on murder and arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a sleeping woman on a New York City subway. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Zapeta-Calil, who had previously been deported and illegally re-entered the US, was apprehended after being identified by witnesses. This incident, deemed a “brutal murder,” has exacerbated existing concerns about subway safety and highlighted issues of homelessness and substance abuse in the city.
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A study in *The BMJ* assessed the cognitive abilities of leading large language models (LLMs) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. All LLMs exhibited weaknesses in visuospatial skills and executive functions, scoring below the threshold for normal cognitive function. Older versions of the chatbots performed worse, mirroring cognitive decline in humans. These findings challenge the notion of LLMs soon replacing human doctors, suggesting instead a potential future need for clinicians to address AI-related cognitive impairments.
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At 88, Kenneth Copeland recently underwent a 10-day appendectomy, recovering with humor and faith. He attributes his successful surgery to divine intervention and a pre-arranged agreement with God to live until 2056, at the age of 120. Copeland shared specific prophecies for the coming years, including predictions about political events and encouraging congregants to plan their lives with faith and intentionality. He declared his restored health and readiness to continue his ministry, outlining themes for his plans until 2029.
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Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, facing sex trafficking charges, has been diagnosed with dementia, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia, according to recently filed court documents. This diagnosis, supported by a neuropsychological evaluation, has prompted questions regarding Jeffries’ competency to assist in his defense. Jeffries, along with two co-defendants, is accused of operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring from 2008 to 2015, allegedly coercing victims with promises of career advancement. A competency hearing is scheduled for June.
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In 2023, the anti-vaccine organization Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), founded by Del Bigtree, experienced a dramatic revenue surge, reaching $23 million—a 74% increase. This substantial income fueled a rise in spending, primarily on legal battles and anti-vaccine advocacy, totaling nearly $17 million. ICAN’s increased financial success reflects the growing influence and profitability of the anti-vaccine movement, despite overwhelming scientific consensus supporting vaccine safety. Bigtree’s own income significantly increased through his ICAN salary and work for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed suit against Walmart and Branch Messenger, alleging they coerced over a million delivery drivers into using costly deposit accounts to access wages. The lawsuit claims the companies opened accounts without authorization, forcing drivers to pay approximately $10 million in fees to transfer funds. Walmart and Branch deny the allegations, citing factual errors and a lack of due process. The CFPB contends the practice harmed low-income workers, highlighting a broader issue concerning gig worker protections.
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User feedback highlighted several issues impacting ad experience. Significant problems included slow or failed video loading, audio volume problems, and ads that froze or did not complete. These issues negatively affected ad relevance and user satisfaction. Further investigation into these technical problems is necessary to improve ad performance. Reported issues ranged from minor loading delays to complete ad failures.
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Nordstrom, the century-old department store, will be acquired in a deal valued at $6.25 billion. The acquisition will take Nordstrom private, with the Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group as the primary buyers. Shareholders will receive $24.25 per share, a 42% premium over the March 18th closing price. The Nordstrom family will ultimately hold a majority stake following the transaction’s completion.
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Adnan Syed, whose case was featured in the podcast “Serial,” is requesting a sentence reduction under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act, aiming to secure his freedom while his conviction is challenged. His legal team argues this is necessary to stabilize his status following the reinstatement of his conviction, a decision his legal team continues to fight. While the conviction was reinstated due to procedural errors regarding notification of Hae Min Lee’s family, Syed remains free pending further legal action. Opposition to the reduction cites a lack of compelling new evidence of innocence and maintains Syed remains a convicted murderer.
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John Q. Hosedrinker